By; BENEDICT SUNDAY Kaduna
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has airlifted rescued hostages previously under the control of the Boko Haram terrorists in the Sambisa forest area.
The rescue of the hostages held by the terrorists followed frequent bombardment by the fighter aircrafts of the Nigerian air force which led to the total defeat of the insurgents.
Major General Nicholas Rogers had last weekend said the Boko Haram insurgents have been totally defeated.The rescue of these hostages by the NAFofficials seem to be a testament that the fight against the Boko Haram in the Sambisa forest is almost won, sources say.
But the concerted efforts by air and ground elements against Boko Haram Terrorists in the Sambisa Forest, which led to the capture of Camp Zairo, led to the rescue of hostages who had been in the captivity of the insurgents.
The rescued hostages which includes the aged, women as well as children, were airlifted to the 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri by the NAF Agusta 109 helicopter. At the NAF Base in Maiduguri, the NAF Medical Team, which was on standby, conducted preliminary medical checks on the rescued hostages and also provided them with medical treatment prior to the process of integrating them into the larger society..
Furthermore, the rescued hostages, who were all looking tired and malnourished after the period of captivity, were fed by the NAF.
A statement issued by the NAF’s Spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has directed that those with serious medical cases be immediately placed on admission to ensure they were adequately cared for.
“This is in furtherance of the NAF’s resolute efforts at winning the ‘hearts and minds’ of the locals, as part of an overall campaign strategy.
It would be recalled that the NAF, under its current leadership, has been rendering humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East and other parts of the country as part of its corporate social responsibility,” the statement said.
